The Robbinsville Little League softball age 11-12 team is in Portland, Oregon, vying for the title of world champion.
The eyes of many Americans are focused this week on Rio de Janeiro, where the likes of Laurie Hernandez, Katie Ledecky, Simone Biles and Lilly King are stoking Olympic pride back home.
Meanwhile, young athletes representing Robbinsville are pinning their hopes on winning glory on another playing field.
The Robbinsville Little League softball age 11-12 team is in Portland, Oregon, vying for the title of world champion, echoing the success of the township's 2014 team. The team plays Thursday at 7 p.m. against the Europe-Africa champion Noerd Holland Little League, from Amsterdam/Haarlem, Netherlands.
This marks the third time in four years and the fifth time overall the local team has had a presence in the World Series.
It's been a heady summer for the pre-teen girls as they made their mark on the Little League universe.
Robbinsville team are 2014 World Series champs
One highlight was the recent victory over Delaware in the East Regional finals - a stunning 12-1 win that left the players and their families optimistic about their chances this week in Oregon.
Little League Softball made its debut in 1974. Today, some 360,000 athletes between 4 and 18 play on more than 24,000 softball teams in more than 20 countries.
The league prides itself on bringing players together for the Softball World Series, where they have the opportunity to create enduring friendships while honing their skills against some of the best competitors the sport has to offer.
Enhanced self-esteem, an understanding of teamwork and the discipline to work toward a common goal - these are among the documented benefits of taking part in organized sports.
After Thursday's game, they will play again throughout the weekend. If they reach the top four of their pool, it's on to Monday's quarterfinals.
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Robbinsville Manager Mark Walsh and coaches Ed James and Scott Veise deserve credit for bringing the local team this far.
The spirit they instilled in their players is reflected in the words of second baseman Kenzie Martin, who noted before leaving for Portland how well she and her teammates work together.
"We are very close off the field, too," Martin said. "Just knowing that everyone has each other's back, we know that we will be there for each other."
Together, team members have given local residents cause to celebrate. Win or lose in Oregon, it will have been an exciting ride for fans, families and friends alike.
We wish them a successful end to a thrilling season.